Formation flushing tool

ABSTRACT

A formation flushing tool having a pipe divided into a plurality of longitudinally arranged sections. Each section is provided with at least one fluid jetting hole, with the hole of each section oriented in a direction different from the directions in which holes of all other sections are oriented. Preferably, three sections are provided: one section having a plurality of holes directed downwardly with respect to a tube being cleaned, a second section having a plurality of holes arranged outwardly, and a third section having a plurality of holes directed upwardly. The bore of the pipe decreases in diameter as the bore progresses downwardly, and sections of the pipe may be selectively blocked by dropping into the bore a plug suitably sized to be retained at a predetermined spot in the bore so as to stop the emission of fluid from one or more of the pipe sections. In this manner, the fluid may be emitted only horizontally and upwardly, or only upwardly, as desired.

United States Patent Robichaux Oct. 14, 1975 FORMATION FLUSHING TOOL Primary Examiner.lohn J. Love [76] Inventor: Donald R Robichaux, 312 Swan Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Clarence A. OBrien;

Ave., Houma, La. 70360 Harvey Jacobson 22 Filed: Apr. 25, 1974 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 464,612 A formation flushing tool having a pipe divided into a plurality of longitudinally arranged sections. Each sec- 52 us. c1. 239/443; 239/560; 239/562; 9" is Provided with at r fluid jetting 239/567; 166/222; 175/234 with the hole of each sec t1on oriented in a direction [51] Int. Cl. B05B l/16 dlfferent f the qlrectlons m whlch holes an 58 Field of Search 175/234- 166/222 311 other 9 are Pr.eferab1y thlee sectons 166/312 156; 239/443 are prov1ded: one sectlon havmg a plurahty of holes 134/166 C i 6 168 C i directed downwardly w1th respect to a tube being cleaned, a second section having a plurality of holes arranged outwardly, and a third section having a plu- 5 References Ci d rality of holes directed upwardly. The bore of the pipe UNITED STATES PATENTS decreases in diameter as the bore progresses down- 2 59 243 W952 winkler 239/563'X wardly, and sections of the pipe may be selectively 2 771 141 11/1956 Lewis....:::. l... 166/222 blocked by droPpmg the plug SLltably [0/196] Bums et aL 166/156 slzed to be retained at a predetermined spot in the 3,066,735 12/1962 Zingg 175/234 bore so as to stop the emsslon of one 3,656,694 4/1972 239/562 X more of the pipe sections. In this manner, the fluid 3,784,112 l/1974 Collignon 239/443 may be emitted only horizontally and upwardly, or

only upwardly, as desired.

4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures AV H7212 FORMATION FLUSI-IING TOOL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ing sand and other material out of formations, tubes,

and the like.

2. Description of the Prior Art A problem encountered in the maintenance of producing wells, and especially oil wells, is that sand, dirt, and the like tends to collect in the bottom of the well. Further, deposits of paraffin, asphalt, and the like may adhere to the well casing. Thus, it is necessary to periodically clean the well by removing these foreign materials. Otherwise, the materials will tend to clog the well and otherwise reduce its efficiency.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,279,333, issued Sept. 17, 1918 to H. M. Green, discloses an early device for cleaning wells. This prior art device is a footpiece that is embedded in the sludge at the bottom of the well, and a plurality of tubes through which a fluid such as water is emitted'in jets which flush the foreign material out of the well.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,400,765, issued Dec. 20, 1921 to M. A. Pallette, discloses a well cleaner'which is essentially an improvement of the cleaning device set out in U.S. Pat. No. 1,279,333 described above. U.S. Pat. No. 1,400,765 is provided only with horizontally and downwardly directed fluid outlets, while U.S. Pat. No. 1,279,333 has upwardly directed outlets interspersed with tangentially directed and downwardly directed outlets.

Experience with well cleaning devices taught those skilled in the art that the jet orifices or nozzles wear at different rates, making it necessary to frequently withdraw the flushing tool from the well casing, and the like, in order to repair worn nozzles. U.S. Pat. No. 3,066,735, issued Dec. 4, 1962 to W. M. Zingg, discloses a jetting tool wherein a ball of a certain diameter is pumped down the hollow interior of the tool and engages a suitable seat for sealing off the portion of the tool beneath the seat. A shear pin is now broken and a sleeve forced downwardly to block fluid flow to previously exposed orifices and to expose an array of orifices which had previously been covered by the sleeve. The newly exposed set of orifices, however, is essentially identical in number, size, and orientation to those orifices covered by movement of the sleeve. The basic operation of the jetting tool remains the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved flushing tool which is simple in construction and reliable of operation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a flushing tool in which fluid pressure and direction of flow are controllable.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a flushing tool which permits the jetting action thereof to be changed to and from any direction while the tool remains in a, hole being flushed.

These and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by providing a flushing tool having: a nozzle arrangement permitting the simultaneous jetting of fluid in a plurality of different directions; and a blocking arrangement for selectively stopping fluid from jetting 'in at least one of the plurality of different directions.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the nozzle arrangement has a longitudinal length of pipe divided into a plurality of sections arranged along the longitudinal extent of the pipe. Each of these sections is provided with at least one hole oriented in a direction different from the directions of orientation of holes of all other sections. Advantageously, each section is provided with a plurality of holes, each hole of a section oriented in a common angular relationship with respect to the longitudinal axis of the section. The holes of one section may be directed downwardly with respect to a well or other tube to be cleaned, the holes of another section oriented for directing a fluid outwardly or transverse of a tube to be cleaned, and yet another section having holes oriented upwardly with respect to the tube to be cleaned.

The blocking arrangement advantageously includes a bore provided through the pipe. This bore has a diameter which progressively decreases toward an end of the pipe arrangeable lowermost in a tube to be flushed. At least one section of the pipe may be provided with a shoulder forming a transition betweendifferent diameter portions of the bore, and a plug of suitable size for passing through the bore until it engages the shoulder to block fluid flow through the bore to portions thereof below the shoulder. Preferably, there are at least two shoulders provided in the bore, and a corresponding pair of plugs. In this manner, successive stages of the pipe bore may be blocked off as desired to control the direction of flow of the flushing fluid being jetted from the holes in the pipe.

A preferred plug for use with the present invention has a cylindrical body provided with a pointed end and a rounded end, and an O-ring arranged on the body adjacent the pointed end for seatingly engaging a selected one of the aforementioned shoulders. The O-ring and pointed end of the cylindrical body cooperate to seal the bore when these portions of the plug are abutting a matching one of the shoulders.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, side elevational view showing a flushing tool according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken generally along the line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 33 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a preferred drop plug for use with a flushing tool according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 of the drawings shows a formation flushing tool 10 according to the present invention. This tool includes a nozzle arrangement for simultaneously jetting fluid in a plurality of different directions. As shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle arrangement includes a longitudinal length of pipe 12 divided by transverse cuts into a plurality of sections 14, 16, and 18. Or. to state it otherwise, pipe 12 is formed by a plurality of sections 14, 16, and 18 connected together in a conventional manner such as to be described below. Each section 14, 16, and 18 is provided with a plurality of holes 20, 22, and 24, with the holes of one of the sections being oriented in a direction different from the directions of orientation of the holes of the other sections.

As best seen from FIGS. 2 through 4 of the drawings, each section 14, 16, and 18 has a longitudinal axes AA, BB, and CC, respectively, and the holes 20, 22, or 24 of each section are oriented in a common angular relationship with respect to the longitudinal axis of the section.

Section 14 is in the form of a cylinder having a rounded, enclosed end 26 and a spaced, open end 28. End 26 is arrangeable lowermost in a tube (not shown) to be flushed, and is provided with a pair of holes arranged diametrically opposite one another and at an acute angle with respect to axis AA.

Section 16 is also in the form of a cylinder, and has a pair of spaced, open ends 30 and 32. End 30 is connected to end 28 of section 14 as by the conventional threaded joint illustrated in FIG. 3. The cylinder forming section 16 is itself defined by a cylindrical wall provided with a plurality of the holes 22. Holes 22 are divided into a plurality of spiral rows best seen in FIG. 1 of the drawings. A preferred arrangement has five rows of holes spiralling left to right, or clockwise, with six holes to the row. These holes are, for example, 3/16 inch on 1 inches pipe, and would be proportionately larger on a larger diameter pipe. Holes 22 are oriented radiallywith respect to the longitudinal axis B-B of section 16 so as to provide fluid jets essentially transverse to the tube, and the like, being cleaned.

Section 18 is again a cylinder having a pair of spaced, open ends 36 and 38. End 36 is connected to end 32 of section 16, while end 38 is connected to a portion of a work string, and the like. The connections of ends 32, 36, and 38 may be made in a manner similar to the connections of ends 28 and 30. The cylinder forming section 18 is again defined by a cylindrical wall provided with a plurality of the holes 24. Holes 24 are divided into a plurality of spiral rows 40 advantageously arranged in a manner similar to the arrangement of rows 34. Holes 24 are oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis CC and are directed away from section 14.

A blocking arrangement is associated with pipe 12 for selectively stopping fluid, such as water, from jetting from the pipe in at least one of the plurality of different directions. This arrangement includes a bore 42 provided through pipe 12 along the longitudinal extent thereof. The diameter of bore 42 decreases as it progresses toward end 26. As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and.3 of the drawings, portions 44, 46, and 48 of bore 42 have progressively smaller diameters. Shoulders 50 and 52 are arranged between portions 44 and 46, and 46 and 48, respectively, for forming a transition structure between the different portions. Plugs 54 and 56 are dimensioned to engagingly mate with shoulders 50 and 52, respectively. That is, plug 54 is dimensioned for passing should 52 and engaging shoulder 50 to block fluid flow through bore 42 and into section 14. In a similar manner, plug 56 is dimensioned for engagingly mating with shoulder 52 to block bore 42 above section 16. In this manner, the direction of the flushing jets can be easily controlled. Further, plugs 54 and 56 can be removed as desired by reversing in a known manner the circulation of the flushing fluid and the washing continued. That is, the fluid can be run through holes 20, 22, and 24 into, as opposed to out of, bore 42 and provide a force which will lift plugs 54 and 56, individually or collectively, up bore 42 and out of pipe 12 and the associated work string.

Plugs 54 and 56 each advantageously include a cylindrical body 58 provided with a pointed end 60 and a spaced, rounded end 62. A conventional O-ring 64 is arranged on body 58 adjacent pointed end 60 for seatingly engaging a selected one of shoulders 50 and 52. O-ring 64 and pointed end 60 cooperate to seal bore 42 when these elements are abutting the selected one of shoulders 50, 52. The conical configuration of pointed end 60 will assist O-ring 64 in seating properly on an associated shoulder. Proper seating has the further advantage in addition to completely blocking the fluid flow of preventing the plug from being blown out under a pressure less than that which will be applied to the plug by a reversal of the fluid circulation in the manner referred to above.

Plugs 54, 56 may be constructed from a suitable metal, such as for example, aluminium, and can be dropped through the work string to enable the flexing action to be done at a horizontal position or at an upward angle. As mentioned above, by reversing circulation the plugs can be removed and washing continued. The unique feature of jetting in three different directions insures the removal of sand, and other material, which is packed to the side of a, for example, casing (not shown) and to the bottom of the packer (not shown).

Attachment of a tool 10 according to the present invention to the lower portion of a conventional work string 66 permits tool 10 to be inserted into the bottom of a well, and the like, and a suitable flushing fluid passed down bore 42 and out the various holes provided in pipe 12. The holes of the bottom two sections may be easily blocked off and reopened by passing a drop plug 54, 56 down bore 42 and blowing same out of bore 42 by a reversal of the circulating fluid.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A formation flushing tool, comprising, in combination:

a. nozzle means for simultaneously jetting fluid in a plurality of different directions; and

b. stop means for selectively blocking fluid from jetting from the nozzle means in at least one of the plurality of different directions, the nozzle means including a longitudinal length of pipe divided into a plurality of sections arranged along the longitudinal length of the pipe, each section of said plurality of sections being provided with at least one hole oriented in a direction different from the directions of orientation of holes of all other sections, each section having a longitudinal axis and being provided with a plurality of holes, each hole of a section oriented in a common angular relationship with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective section, the pipe including three sections, a first section of the three sections being a cylinder having a rounded, enclosed end and a spaced, open end, and arrangeable rounded end first lowermost of the pipe, the rounded end being provided with a pair of holes arranged diametrically opposite one another and at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first section, a second section of the three sections being a cylinder having a pair of spaced, open ends, one of the open ends being connected to the open end of the first section, the cylinder being defined by a cylindrical wall provided with a plurality of holes divided into a plurality of spiral rows and oriented radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the second section, and a third section of the three sections being a cylinder having a pair of spaced, open ends, one of the open ends connected to the other of the open ends of the second section, the cylinder being 2. A structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the stop means includes:

i. a bore provided through the pipe along the longitudinal length thereof, the diameter of the bore decreasing toward the rounded end of the first section, at least one section of the pipe provided with a shoulder forming a transition between different diameters; and

' ii. a plug dimensioned for passing through the bore and engaging the shoulder to block fluid flow through the bore beyond the shoulder in the direction of fluid flow.

3. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein two shoulders are provided along the longitudinal extent of the bore through the pipe, and the stop means includes a pair of plugs, one of the plugs dimensioned to engage a shoulder arranged between the first and second sections, and the other of the plugs dimensioned to engage a shoulder arranged between the second and third sections.

4. A structure as defined in claim 3, wherein the plugs each include a cylindrical body provided with a pointed end, and an O-ring arranged on the body adja-.

cent the pointed end for seatingly engaging a selected one of the shoulders, the O-ring and pointed end cooperating to seal the bore by causing the O-ring to seat properly on the mating one of the shoulders. 

1. A formation flushing tool, comprising, in combination: a. nozzle means for simultaneously jetting fluid in a plurality of different directions; and b. stop means for selectively blocking fluid from jetting from the nozzle means in at least one of the plurality of different directions, the nozzle means including a longitudinal length of pipe divided into a plurality of sections arranged along the longitudinal length of the pipe, each section of said plurality of sections being provided with at least one hole oriented in a direction different from the directions of orientation of holes of all other sections, each section having a longitudinal axis and being provided with a plurality of holes, each hole of a section oriented in a common angular relationship with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective section, the pipe including three sections, a first section of the three sections being a cylinder having a rounded, enclosed end and a spaced, open end, and arrangeable rounded end first lowermost of the pipe, the rounded end being provided with a pair of holes arranged diametrically opposite one another and at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first section, a second section of the three sections being a cylinder having a pair of spaced, open ends, one of the open ends being connected to the open end of the first section, the cylinder being defined by a cylIndrical wall provided with a plurality of holes divided into a plurality of spiral rows and oriented radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the second section, and a third section of the three sections being a cylinder having a pair of spaced, open ends, one of the open ends connected to the other of the open ends of the second section, the cylinder being defined by a cylindrical wall provided with a plurality of holes divided into a plurality of spiral rows and oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the third section and directed away from the second section.
 2. A structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the stop means includes: i. a bore provided through the pipe along the longitudinal length thereof, the diameter of the bore decreasing toward the rounded end of the first section, at least one section of the pipe provided with a shoulder forming a transition between different diameters; and ii. a plug dimensioned for passing through the bore and engaging the shoulder to block fluid flow through the bore beyond the shoulder in the direction of fluid flow.
 3. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein two shoulders are provided along the longitudinal extent of the bore through the pipe, and the stop means includes a pair of plugs, one of the plugs dimensioned to engage a shoulder arranged between the first and second sections, and the other of the plugs dimensioned to engage a shoulder arranged between the second and third sections.
 4. A structure as defined in claim 3, wherein the plugs each include a cylindrical body provided with a pointed end, and an O-ring arranged on the body adjacent the pointed end for seatingly engaging a selected one of the shoulders, the O-ring and pointed end cooperating to seal the bore by causing the O-ring to seat properly on the mating one of the shoulders. 